KDF Dominates as Military Sharpshooters Outclass DCI, NIS and Police Teams in Elite Shooting Tournament

The Kenya Defence Forces Rifle Association (DEFRA) showcased exceptional firepower after emerging champions at the Highland Minerals Trophy 2025, a highly competitive fullbore shooting event held at the KDF Range in Laikipia between December 3 and 6.

The annual championship brought together the country’s top marksmen from the National Intelligence Service (NIS), National Police Service (NPS), Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), Administration Police Service (APS), and the Kenya Regiment Rifle Club (KRRC). But it was the KDF side that proved unbeatable after days of gruelling long-range contests.

Fullbore shooting tests shooters’ accuracy and discipline over distances of 300–900 metres, making the championship one of Kenya’s toughest precision-marksmanship events.

KDF’s shining star was Staff Sergeant Brenda Ajiambo, who stunned competitors with an exceptional 544.20 points out of 600 across all shooting distances. Her outstanding performance placed her at the top of the overall standings and played a major role in securing DEFRA’s victory.

In other key individual wins, NPS officer IP Clifford Kiptarus led the Super X1 category with 536.37 points, while NIS marksman Moses Wachira clinched the Super X2 category with 533.22 points.

The NPS team continued to put up a strong challenge, with Christopher Mulongo and Ssgt Fredrick Mwema winning the X1 and O1 categories with 519.34 and 515.27 points, respectively.

DEFRA responded with more brilliance as Sgt Nicholas Lengorien triumphed in the X2 category with 519.19 points and Ssgt Peter Kosgei topped the O2 class after scoring 490.16 points.

In the Tier categories, DEFRA’s Sgt Antony Mbaluka captured the Tier 1 title with 485.24 points, while NPS shooter Susanne Njoroge claimed Tier 2 with 482.16 points.

Officials praised the level of precision displayed, noting that the tournament “did not disappoint” and highlighted the growing talent across Kenya’s elite shooting units.

This latest win adds to DEFRA’s impressive year. Earlier, the KDF Pistol Team earned recognition at the IPSC Handgun World Shoot in Matlosana, South Africa, where Kenya fielded 30 shooters, including ten from the military. Their strong performance cemented Kenya’s rising reputation in international shooting sports.